Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4328: Requires midwives and physicians to provide pregnant women information on birthing options prior to delivery.

This bill requires certified nurse midwives and physicians in New Jersey to provide pregnant patients with written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options during the initial prenatal visit and before labor begins. The information must cover hospital births, water births, C-sections (scheduled and emergency), associated health risks for mother and infant, effects of medications like epidurals and Pitocin, and insurance coverage options. It must be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages spoken by patients with limited English proficiency, based on census data. The New Jersey Department of Health will develop this standardized information in consultation with medical professionals and ensure it is accessible in the patient's preferred language.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates evidence-based patient education on birthing options, enhancing informed decision-making and access to healthcare information per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Hospitals Insurance

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2550: Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older.

This bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to continue covering adult children with disabilities who are 26 or older, provided they cannot work due to a physical or intellectual disability and are financially dependent on their parent. It amends existing law to extend coverage beyond the standard age limit of 26 for this specific group, ensuring they maintain health insurance through their parent's plan. The bill prohibits denial of coverage based on factors like marriage, having a child, or school status, which commonly affected young adults with disabilities. This change directly impacts young adults with disabilities in New Jersey who would otherwise lose coverage at age 26 but meet the eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends mandatory health insurance coverage for disabled adults over 26, ensuring continued access for vulnerable individuals who would otherwise lose benefits at age 26.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2652: Requires annual suicide prevention training for mental health practitioners.

This bill requires licensed mental health practitioners in New Jersey - including clinical social workers, psychologists, counselors, and therapists - to complete two hours of approved suicide prevention training annually. The training must cover suicide prevention, assessment, screening, treatment, and management in clinical settings, and practitioners must submit proof of completion to their licensing boards. The Division of Consumer Affairs will maintain a list of approved training programs, prioritizing those from national organizations like SAMHSA. The law applies to all professionals practicing under Title 45 of New Jersey’s Revised Statutes and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates suicide prevention training for mental health practitioners, strengthening clinical care standards in mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1087: Requires testing for infectious disease for certain persons who have been administered opioid antidote by first responder.

This bill requires first responders who administer opioid antidotes during overdose responses to request infectious disease testing (for HIV, hepatitis, etc.) for the person if they had contact with their bodily fluids. If the person refuses voluntary testing within 24 hours, the public health officer can seek a court order for testing based on a risk assessment. Court-ordered testing must be performed promptly, with results shared only with the tested person and the responding first responder, maintaining strict confidentiality. The person receiving the antidote may also be required to cover the testing costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates infectious disease testing post-overdose to prevent transmission, advancing public health protection and patient safety through early detection and treatment protocols.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 459: Establishes "Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program" for certain defendants.

This bill establishes a "Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program" to connect eligible pretrial defendants with community-based support services like substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and case management. It requires courts to consider these services as part of release conditions for defendants who qualify for pretrial release but need additional support to safely remain in the community. The program would be delivered through approved community providers and aims to reduce unnecessary detention while ensuring court appearance and public safety. The bill is pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes pretrial community support services to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation, directly advancing criminal justice reform by prioritizing treatment over incarceration for eligible defendants.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates courts to connect defendants with mental health care as part of pretrial release conditions, directly improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

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died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2356: Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.

This bill, now law as P.L.2025, c.272, provides employment protections for New Jersey paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 9-1-1 dispatchers) diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against employees who take leave for qualifying PTSD treatment, requiring reinstatement to their previous position after documented recovery. Employers violating these protections face civil fines ($5,000 for first violation, $10,000 for subsequent), court-ordered reinstatement, lost wages, and attorney fees. The law applies only when PTSD arises from on-the-job trauma or vicarious trauma experienced during official duties.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects mental health treatment access for first responders by preventing employment discrimination during PTSD leave, directly supporting mental health services.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits termination/discrimination for PTSD treatment leave, mandates reinstatement, directly protects workers' rights under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4080: Provides for certain pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries to maintain private duty nursing hours when transitioning to Managed Long Term Services and Supports; codifies and expands appeals provisions for private duty nursing services.

This bill (A4080) ensures pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries transitioning from the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program to the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program automatically retain their previous weekly private duty nursing hours, including carrying forward unused hours. It requires managed care organizations to justify any reduction in nursing hours only based on documented changes in medical need, not administrative reasons, and mandates continued coverage during appeals. Beneficiaries can appeal reductions within 30 days, with coverage maintained until the appeal concludes or is withdrawn. The bill also directs the state to review past transitions (last 5 years) to identify beneficiaries eligible for increased nursing hours. It directly affects children under 21 receiving nursing services through NJ FamilyCare.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures pediatric beneficiaries retain private duty nursing hours during program transitions and requires medical justification for reductions, protecting access to essential healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3029: Authorizes temporary licensure of graduated nursing students.

This bill creates a temporary license for nursing graduates in New Jersey who have completed their education but haven't yet passed their state licensure exam. It allows the Board of Nursing to issue these licenses for one year (with one possible extension for illness or hardship), enabling graduates to practice under a licensed nurse's direct supervision while they prepare for their full license. The temporary license expires if the graduate fails the exam or fails to apply for full licensure 90 days before expiration. Graduates pay fees comparable to regular nursing licenses, and the license cannot be used for independent practice.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables nursing graduates to practice under supervision pending licensure, increasing healthcare workforce availability and improving patient access to care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 3513: Modifies age and education requirement to qualify as radiologic technologist.

This bill lowers the minimum age requirement for becoming a licensed radiologic technologist in New Jersey from 18 to 16 years old. It also modifies education requirements, allowing applicants to qualify by being enrolled in a four-year secondary school program (approved by the State Board of Education) or an alternative education program that leads to a high school diploma, rather than requiring completion of such a program. The change applies to all specialty licenses for technologists (e.g., diagnostic x-ray, radiation therapy, dental x-ray). The bill aims to address workforce shortages in the radiologic technology field by expanding eligibility.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareLowers barriers for radiologic technologists, increasing workforce availability and improving access to imaging services within healthcare delivery.85% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4165: Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services.

This bill creates a tuition reimbursement program for New Jersey residents who are certified advanced practice nurses (APNs) providing home health care services at patients' homes. To qualify, nurses must have specialized home health training, apply within one year of certification, and agree to work full-time in New Jersey for one to four years. The program reimburses 25% of the lowest tuition year for each completed year of service (capped at 100% total reimbursement over four years), with participants required to maintain certification, avoid charging excessive fees to Medicare patients, and not discriminate based on payment ability. The reimbursement is tied directly to service, meaning funds are provided in exchange for fulfilling the agreed-upon home health care work period.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds tuition for home health care nurses to expand workforce and improve patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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